Himachal is dotted with alpine trees, and cutting through them are daunting trails that epitomize a mountain’s true charm. When the body cedes to ascend, endless views and snow-capped peaks keep uplifting the soul. Something similar is the story of Trekking in Manali. Trekking instills a feeling of comradeship, self-reliance and a sense of perseverance. The vast expanse to the highest mountain chain, the sheer size of its snowy heights and the indefinable sense of joy and elation they elicit in a trekker's mind make a trek in the Himalayas an adventure to recall.
The memories flashed upon me of the Trek which I took two months back to Kheerganga with my college friends though I had never trekked before. Shriya, though an experienced trekker, ironically, was scared and made up quite lame excuses to somehow get it canceled because of snow, even an hour before the trek. But we all stuck to the plan and got a cab to Barshini, the starting point of the Trek. We all had packed extra pairs of socks, gloves, caps, and sweaters. The way from Kasol to Barshini was bewitching. There was so much snow we could literally stop anywhere along the way and play snowball fight, and even build a snowman! Which of course we didn’t because we were running late as usual. On reaching, I still remember the first words of our guide to us “Puduing Puduing” and we all clueless looked at each other, laughed and repeated the words.
This is the first picture we clicked at Barshini, all packed and energetic whereas I am oblivious as usual.
As they say, a journey uphill must begin with light food, less luggage and lots of water to stay hydrated. We had none. We all had hefty Aloo Parantha’s that day, carried all the possible layers we could for the trek and forgot the water bottle in the cab.
We all didn’t even walk for a complete 30 minutes when we started contemplating our decision. If anyone ever made a record of who has fallen the most number of times in the first hour of trek, I would have surely won. I somehow managed to fall 7-8 times, get all my clothes wet and also bruised myself in just 60 minutes. Seeing my speed and how much I was struggling to even walk, the guide decided to not leave my side for the rest of the trip and literally was holding my hand as a mother holds of its infant for the most part of the trip. The Kheerganga trek trail turns into a little troublesome after the cascade; a consistent ascension starts which can be trying for first-time trekkers. The way from this point forward is all around stamped and there is minimal shot of anybody losing their direction but then there were dogs to help us find the right path and keep us going. The whole way they were walking ahead of us making way.
Halfway uphill comes the place worth stopping which is a temple on the riverbank of Parvati, a wooden bridge over it and a cafe. The cafe serves simple yummy food especially the Maggi at a happy price, the bridge can only be crossed with crossed fingers and panting heart, and the temple is a solace before the steep jungle track ahead.
After aching your feet for fourteen km, we reached our destination between two huge mountains roaring at each other. A legend says that Lord Shiva- a Hindu God lived and meditated in these valleys with Parvati (his wife) and Kartikeya (his son) for more than thirty centuries. He also blessed it with a hot stream of Kheer (an Indian dessert made of milk and rice). Lord Parshuram (Indian warrior God) anticipated that humans in Kalyug (this era) will fight against each other to own the stream of Kheer, hence, he turned the Kheer into water and cream (malai) which made it a hot gushing river. The hot water is still there in a pool, adjacent to the Shiva Temple, at 10000 ft amidst snow-covered peaks.
Our destination to our shock was just a wooden house amidst the mountains. It was a group trek so in all 15 people had to spend the night in this house.
We all played several games, had Maggi, pakode, and tea throughout the night.
In the morning, the very first thing which I did was make a snowman. It took 1 hour of constant struggle in the snow with my bare hands but I did it and the joy was exhilarating.
Then in the morning after breakfast, we started our journey downhill and to everybody’s surprise, I only slipped twice or thrice. I was proud of myself. Overall, one should go on this Trek at least once with friends because though it was cold to the body, it was warm to the soul and aren’t these the moments we all live for?
Above was the last pic of the Trek.
Some more pictures below. Though we tried to capture the best shot, the pictures still couldn’t justify how mesmerizing the place actually looks.
To know more about the breathtaking view and book a trek with your group,below is video and few links attached:
Go ahead and book one,it's worth it.
May I suggest one of the best - https://www.advenchar.com/tour/kedarkantha-trek/?
Very nice article As a travel blogger myself, The Solo Girl Traveler, I admire several travel bloggers for their amazing creativity, talent, and sense of adventure.
https://www.triund-trek.com
Amazing blog ❣️
I wish i could also be a part of your blog somewhere between the lines 😇